Donald Trump stalled long-awaited pandemic aid package into doubt last week demanding lawmakers more than triple the $600 direct payments to US taxpayers.
On Saturday, US President-elect Joe Biden warned of “devastating consequences” if President Donald Trump continues to delay signing a Covid-19 economic relief bill passed by Congress.
Donald Trump stalled long-awaited pandemic aid package into doubt last week demanding lawmakers more than triple the $600 direct payments to US taxpayers. This prepares millions of Americans to lose benefits and face eviction.
“This abdication of responsibility has devastating consequences. Today, about 10 million Americans will lose unemployment insurance benefits,” Joe Biden said in a statement.
“In just a few days, government funding will expire, putting vital services and paychecks for military personnel at risk. In less than a week, a moratorium on evictions expires, putting millions at risk of being forced from their homes over the holidays.”
Donald Trump, in a video late Tuesday, called the $900 million bill “a disgrace” — despite it being passed Monday with a large bipartisan majority after months of negotiation.
The bill was designed to rejuvenate businesses and people struggling to keep their heads above water.
However, Donald Trump in a pre-recorded statement made in the White House and sent out on Twitter, said he would refuse to accept the bill without changes.
“I am asking Congress to amend this bill and increase the ridiculously low $600 to $2,000, or $4,000 for a couple,” Trump said.
This stance by President Trump is at odds with Senate Republican majority leader Mitch McConnell and House minority leader Kevin McCarthy, who have ruled out any larger stimulus measures.
“Delay means more small businesses won’t survive this dark winter because they lack access to the lifeline they need, and Americans face further delays in getting the direct payments they deserve as quickly as possible to help deal with the economic devastation caused by Covid-19,” President-elect Biden said.
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